The Dallas Cowboys have again hit the reset button, parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy. Owner/GM Jerry Jones, never one to shy away from bold moves, announced that the search for the next head coach is officially underway.
With a roster brimming with talent but plagued by inconsistency, Jones faces a critical decision in determining who can steer this team back to championship contention.
Mark Schlereth Projects 73-Year-Old Pete Carroll as Perfect Fit for Cowboys
Among the potential candidates, one surprising name has emerged: Pete Carroll. The former Seattle Seahawks head coach boasts an impressive résumé, including 170 regular-season wins, 11 playoff victories, and a Super Bowl ring. Mark Schlereth, a three-time Super Bowl champion, made a compelling case for Carroll on Fox’s “Breakfast Ball.”
"I don't think you can take one of these young coaches— the Ben Johnson's, Liam Coen's or Kellen Moore's of the world… Pete Carroll would be the guy that makes sense to me."@markschlereth doesn't think the Cowboys HC job is fit for a young coach 💯 pic.twitter.com/BnxpSngnhO
— Breakfast Ball (@BrkfstBallOnFS1) January 15, 2025
Schlereth said, “I would look at it from this standpoint, like who would you hire? Because I don’t think you can take one of these young coaches who aspire to be head coaches. The Ben Johnsons of the world, the Liam Coens of the world, the Kellen Moores of the world, I don’t think you can have a coach that you’re not gonna empower who is a young guy.”
“So ultimately, to me, you look at who’s next. For example, Pete Carroll would be the guy that would make sense to me. Somebody can come in there and at least have the respect of the players when you, as an owner, are going to give that coach the respect he deserves,” added Schlereth.
The Cowboys owner has historically favored big names for big results. Carroll fits that mold, but questions remain about his age and whether he aligns with the Cowboys’ long-term plans. However, Carroll’s ability to consistently lead playoff-caliber teams, including 12 winning seasons with the Seahawks from 2012 to 2023, could make him the “win now” coach Jones desires.
The Cowboys’ 2024 season revealed glaring weaknesses, and if Carroll ends up in Dallas, he’ll have work cut out for him. The team posted a disappointing 2-7 record at home and a league-worst -120 point differential.
Quarterback Dak Prescott struggled, registering a career-low QB+ score of 66.0, and the defense’s dramatic decline under Mike Zimmer only compounded the issues. While these setbacks are no small thing, the Cowboys have foundational pieces like linebacker Micah Parsons, who recorded 12 sacks despite missing games due to injury.
Carroll’s potential hire would likely hinge on assembling a dynamic coaching staff, particularly on offense. The Cowboys only rushed for 1,705 yards this season, the third-lowest total for the franchise since 2000. Carroll’s success in Seattle, built around a balanced attack and strong defense, could bring much-needed stability to Dallas. If paired with an innovative offensive coordinator, Carroll could catalyze a Cowboys resurgence.
Ultimately, Jones must decide whether to entrust the team’s future to a seasoned veteran like Carroll or take a chance on a younger, less proven candidate.